Graphic Courtesy of PaveTech
www.hardscapeoutfiters.com
Whether your design is simple or ornate, random or formal, the secret to a great installation is in the base. Follow these simple steps to guide you to new experience in outdoor living.
Please contact your landscape designer for information on vehicular applications.
Excavate the Base
- Excavate an area nine inches deep and 10 to 12 inches outside the boundaries of the desired installation area.
- Compact the soil with a 3000-5000 PSI plate compactor.
Install a Geotextile
- Lay geotextile throughout the excavated area allowing it to “climb up” the sides. Cut the edges to fit the area and overlap a minimum of six inches when covering large areas.
Install, Compact and Level the Base Materials
- Fill excavated area with crushed aggregate (Road base, crusher-run, crush-and-run, CR16, etc.). Aggregate should have a minimum of 1% slope away from structures.
- Compact in three inch lifts.
- Surface should be as smooth as possible.
- The height of the material should be six inches. Vehicular rated depths are eight inches or more. Contact Red River for more information on vehicular installation processes.
Red River Hardscapes is your one-stop source for completing your hardscape project.
We supply:
- Base Materials
- Geotextile Fabric
- Edge Restraints
- Masonry Cleaners
- Sealants
- Adhesives
- Reinforcement Grids
Install a Paver Restraint
- Use a recommended polyethylene edge restraint with steel spikes in areas where the pavers will not be firmly fixed to the side of another structure (ie. house, wall, etc.).
- Follow the edge restraint manufacturer’s installation recommendations.
- Drive the steel spikes into the aggregate area outside the paver area, not soil.
Level Aggregates and Screed a Sand Layer
- Pour a one-inch layer of coarse concrete sand on top of the leveled and compacted aggregate. Do not use fine play sand.
- Do not compact the sand. Use a board and one-inch diameter pipes to screed to level.
Lay Pavers
- Begin setting pavers on the sand at the lowest point of the area (if there is a slope) or at a single-corner starting point. Walk on the pavers as you lay them, not on the screeded sand.
- Fill the area with an interlocking pattern up to the edge of the restraint.
- Cut outer edge pavers to fit snugly into the area. A soldier course of pavers is recommended.
Compact Pavers
- A compaction of pavers with the plate compactor will help level any uneven spots and assist in the interlock and strengthening of the paver area.
- Move compactor in a linear direction across the paver area to the outer edges.
Sweep Joint Sand into the Pavers
- Push dry, well-graded sand into the slim gaps between the pavers.
- Polymeric and organic sands may be used instead of natural sands. A joint sand stabilizer is recommended when using natural sand.
Image Courtesy of Snap Edge Corporation
Compact Pavers, Again
- Use the plate compactor to further settle the joint sand.
- Continue to add sand until the joints are filled. Allow for a one-eighth inch drop in the sand.
Apply a Sealer (Recommended)
- Red River recommends sealers for a variety of looks and protection.
- Sealers may also contain joint sand stabilizers that will help preserve the sand.
